1. Swap Miami
City: Wynwood Arts District, FL
Category: Annual Events & Festivals
Address: 297 NW 23rd St.
Description: Swap Miami is just that—an annual swap event that attracts locals and visitors alike. The team behind the event consults with fashion stylists and furniture designers to ensure everything accepted is not only acceptable but desirable. Items are appraised by on-site experts and assigned a swap currency, which is then used to purchase other items. Swappers can peruse the offerings while enjoying complimentary cocktails and hor d’oeuvres. Leftover items are donated to charity. Attendees should check the comprehensive list on the website for acceptable items. Tickets are $8 in advance online or $10 at the door. The only other thing participants need money for is the food and drink vendors. The event is held at Cafeina and more information is on the website.
2. The Electric Pickle
City: Wynwood Arts District, FL
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (305) 456-5613
Address: 2826 North Miami Ave.
Description: Some serious music equipment is only one reason why music lovers flock here for live performances. Electric Pickle is open Wed through Sat from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and features a number of live music acts throughout the week, ranging from rock and jazz to swing and blues. Best of all, there’s never a cover and happy hour specials occur at prime time: 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Fri.
3. Hands On Miami
City: Wynwood Arts District, FL
Category: Relocation
Telephone: (305) 646-7200
Address: 425 NW 26th St.
Description: This organization connects volunteers with projects around the city. In addition to flexible projects that can be contributed to based on availability, there are youth and ongoing programs that volunteers can also get involved in. Check the website for a calendar of upcoming projects; registration is required to sign up for a project.
4. Joey’S Cafe
City: Wynwood Arts District, FL
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (305) 438-0488
Address: 2506 NW 2nd Ave.
Description: Located in Miami’s current neighborhood du jour, this is one of the few pizza places whose pastas and entrees are as good as their pies. Joey’s chef is from Veneto and his background reflects in the authenticity of the food. How often do you see polenta or Cornish hen on a pizzeria’s menu? While there’s plenty to choose from for those looking for a substantial meal, it’s the thin-crust pizza that makes Joey’s a real Miami destination. A wood-burning oven bakes pies topped with truffle oil, bresaola, and walnuts. The fig, gorgonzola, honey, and hot pepper pie is scandalously good. On warm nights, grab a seat outside, order a couple of pies, a bottle of wine, and try to think of a better way to spend an evening. Even though its location may attract numerous patrons of the art world, everything on the menu is priced for the masses.
5. David Castillo Gallery
City: Wynwood Arts District, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 573-8110
Address: 2234 NW 2nd Ave.
Description: Miami art world wonder boy and gallerist, David Castillo opened his eponymous space at the age of 32. His impressive pedigree (history and art history degrees from Yale and The Vatican respectively) and eye for spotting talented, and sometimes controversial, up and comers like Leyden Rodriguez-Casanova and Pepe Mar, have earned him international accolades. His gallery frequently participates in Art Basel Miami Beach and the Armory Show in New York. Open Tues through Sat, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment.
6. Diana Lowenstein Fine Arts
City: Wynwood Arts District, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 576-1804
Address: 2043 North Miami Ave.
Description: Diana Lowenstein, owner and director of this gallery, began her career in Argentina and established this Miami studio in September 2000. This warehouse space in Wynwood displays a collection of art from around the world. The gallery is also actively involved in art shows like Art Basel and other community events throughout the year. Open Tues through Fri from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
7. Dorsch Gallery
City: Wynwood Arts District, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 576-1278
Address: 151 NW 24th St.
Description: This Wynwood district pioneer represents emerging, mid-level, and established artists. Founded in 1991 by Brook Dorsch, it launched the careers of several Florida artists in the 1990s. In 2000, Dorsch was one of the first gallery owners to relocate to the then-derelict Wynwood neighborhood. A strong supporter of local talent, Dorsch also invites visiting artists and curators to use their space. The gallery is also well known for the fabulous parties it hosts. Open Tues through Sat from noon to 5 p.m.
8. Fredric Snitzer Gallery
City: Wynwood Arts District, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 448-8976
Address: 2247 NW 1st Place
Description: A true trailblazer of the Miami art scene, Fredric Snitzer opened his gallery in 1977, long before Art Basel started setting up shop in Miami. He is still today recognized internationally as a leader in contemporary art. A champion of the young art community, Snitzer’s impressive stable of artists includes Hernan Bas, COOPER, and Luis Gispert. Open Tues through Sat from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
9. Ohwow
City: Wynwood Arts District, FL
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (305) 633-9345
Address: 3100 NW 7th Ave.
Description: This leading art collective rejects the inherent elitism of a sole art collector. Whether it’s an Ari Marcopoulos exhibit examining New York City skate culture in 1993 or exclusive photo collaborations between David Lynch and cutting edge musician Danger Mouse, OHWOW attempts to create a more democratic environment, making art accessible to the creative community. Creative directors Aaron Bondaroff and Al Moran use their connections to the New York art world to bring the works of prominent artists (graffiti artist Neck Face, conceptual artist Terence Koh) as well as newcomers (former Vice photo editor Tim Barber) to Miami. Open Tues through Fri from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment.
10. Swap Miami
City: Wynwood Arts District, FL
Category: Shopping
Address: 297 NW 23rd St. at Cafeina
Description: Every May this bartering event attracts those with new and used goods who would rather swap them than sell them. Almost anything is fair game and a comprehensive list of items that are not acceptable is listed on the website. The only money required is for food items and tickets, which are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.